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Dejan Simic

Belgrade
Serbia

As an internationally recognized tennis director, sports manager, and coach with a career spanning over 25 years, I have dedicated my life to advancing the sport of tennis and fostering success on and off the court. With experience managing country clubs, academies, federations, and resorts, I bring a unique blend of leadership, vision, and expertise to every role. My passion lies in shaping tennis programs that seamlessly combine elite coaching, player development, and exceptional guest experiences.

Throughout my career, I have held leadership roles including Tennis Director, General Manager, and Head Coach in distinguished institutions worldwide. My experience includes positions at the ITF, Europe Tennis, Yarze Country Club, Faqra Country Club, Emerald and Ritz Carlton Resorts, and the Yugoslav Tennis Federation, where I also coached national teams and served as General Manager. Additionally, I am the founder of Middle East Tennis and have been recognized as an author, lecturer, and public speaker in sports management.

My approach is multidimensional, emphasizing business strategy, sports marketing, program management, and player engagement. With a Master’s in Business & Sports Management and multiple certifications from the International Tennis Federation, I am dedicated to leveraging my expertise to drive success at prestigious country clubs, academies, federations, resorts, or sports institutions globally.

If you are seeking an experienced leader to elevate your tennis or sports program, I welcome the opportunity to connect.

Qualifications

Education

Master’s Degree, Sports Studies
University of Belgrade
2013 – 2015
🔹 Specialized in sports management with a focus on business strategies, organizational leadership, and financial planning within the sports industry.
🔹 Gained advanced knowledge in sports marketing, sponsorship acquisition, and resource management to optimize sports programs and events.
🔹 Developed practical skills in analyzing sports trends and implementing innovative solutions for sports organizations.
🔹 Completed a capstone project on the operational management of elite sports clubs, applying theory to real-world scenarios in sports business.

Bachelor’s Degree, Sports Studies
University of Belgrade
2000 – 2003
🔹 Studied foundational principles of sports administration, event management, and athlete development.
🔹 Gained insights into the roles of management and coaching within sports organizations, focusing on team dynamics and program effectiveness.
🔹 Conducted research on sports program optimization, laying the groundwork for advanced studies in sports business and leadership.
🔹 Participated in internships with sports organizations, gaining hands-on experience in event planning and facility management.

Specialized Training, Tennis Coaching
University of Sports, College of Coaching, Tennis Department
1994
🔹 Completed specialized training in tennis coaching, covering athlete development, performance psychology, and strategic coaching techniques.
🔹 Focused on player-centered coaching methodologies, with a curriculum that emphasized mental resilience and competitive edge for athletes.
🔹 Engaged in practical coaching sessions, enhancing skills in personalized training, mentorship, and game strategy.
🔹 Achieved recognition for exceptional understanding of coaching principles, paving the way for a career in elite tennis coaching and management.

Certifications

PTR Professional 

2004 – Hilton Head Island, USA 

International Tennis Federation – Level 2 

2000 – Nicosia, Cyprus 

International Tennis Federation – Level 1 

1999 – Herceg Novi, Montenegro 

Leadership and Administration in Tennis 

1994 – Copenhagen, Denmark

Leadership and Administration in Tennis
Copenhagen, Denmark
Issued Jan 1994

Methodologies
Manuel Martín (Technical Director) and Alejandro Martínez (CEO), PadelMBA

Basic Concepts
Manu Martin, PadelMBA

Tactical Situations
Manu Martin, PadelMBA

Coaching times & fees
  • Please contact Dejan direct via email or Whatsapp.
  • He can be contacted via Whatsapp on +96178863459
  • Or you can contact him using email on dejanmastermind@gmail.com

 

 

Further information

PTR – Professional Tennis & Padel Registry

As an internationally recognized tennis director, sports manager, and coach with a career spanning over 25 years, I have dedicated my life to advancing the sport of tennis and fostering success on and off the court. With experience managing country clubs, academies, federations, and resorts, I bring a unique blend of leadership, vision, and expertise to every role. My passion lies in shaping tennis programs that seamlessly combine elite coaching, player development, and exceptional guest experiences.

Throughout my career, I have held leadership roles including Tennis Director, General Manager, and Head Coach in distinguished institutions worldwide. My experience includes positions at the ITF, Europe Tennis, Yarze Country Club, Faqra Country Club, Emerald and Ritz Carlton Resorts, and the Yugoslav Tennis Federation, where I also coached national teams and served as General Manager. Additionally, I am the founder of Middle East Tennis and have been recognized as an author, lecturer, and public speaker in sports management.

My approach is multidimensional, emphasizing business strategy, sports marketing, program management, and player engagement. With a Master’s in Business & Sports Management and multiple certifications from the International Tennis Federation, I am dedicated to leveraging my expertise to drive success at prestigious country clubs, academies, federations, resorts, or sports institutions globally.

If you are seeking an experienced leader to elevate your tennis or sports program, I welcome the opportunity to connect.

  1. Publications

Tennis Mastermind: Improve Your Tennis, Upgrade Your Life
Self-published · Sep 23, 2021
🔹 A comprehensive guide blending tennis skill development with personal growth principles, designed to help players enhance both their game and overall quality of life.
🔹 Provides readers with actionable insights and strategies to achieve peak performance on and off the court.
🔹 Recognized for its innovative approach, Tennis Mastermind has become a valued resource among players, coaches, and tennis enthusiasts worldwide.

Tennis Rainmaker: How to Achieve Success in Tennis
Middle East Tennis · May 9, 2012
🔹 An influential guide offering practical advice for players, coaches, parents, and managers aiming to excel in the modern tennis landscape.
🔹 Draws on years of experience in Serbian Tennis Development and as the founder of Middle East Tennis.
🔹 Addresses the essentials of long-term tennis success, focusing on skill development, mental resilience, and strategic planning.
🔹 Widely regarded as a must-read for anyone aspiring to elevate their tennis journey.

Courses

ETA AGM
Helsinki, Finland, 1999

ETA Annual General Meeting (AGM)
Barcelona, Spain, 2000

ETA Coaches Symposium
Otocec, Slovenia, 2000

ETA Team Championship Committee
Zurich, Switzerland, 2000-2001

Multiple Tournaments and Events
Roland Garros – Paris, France, 1999-2001

PTR Asia Coaches Conference
Shanghai, China, 2007

PTR U10 & Junior Development Coaches Workshop
Beirut, Lebanon, 2019

Richard Schönborn Coaching Workshop
Belgrade, Serbia, 1997

 

Organizations

Professional Tennis Registry (PTR)
Active PTR Professional Member
May 2004 – Present
🔹 Active member of the Professional Tennis Registry (PTR), a globally recognized organization that certifies and supports tennis coaches.
🔹 Participated in professional development opportunities, certification workshops, and global networking with other tennis professionals.
🔹 Leveraged PTR membership to stay current with innovative coaching techniques, professional ethics, and global best practices.
🔹 Strengthened commitment to excellence in tennis coaching and management through continued engagement with PTR resources.

Languages

English
Native or bilingual proficiency

German
Professional working proficiency

Italian
Elementary proficiency

Russian
Full professional proficiency

Serbian
Native or bilingual proficiency

Authored student and reference books about tennis that includes:
2021 – Tennis Mastermind, to be published
2012 – Tennis Rainmaker, Lulu, USA
2005 – Management in Tennis, BK,Belgrade
2000 – Teniska Prizma, Gea, Belgrade
1995 – From Tennis School to Top Tennis Players, JSD Partizan, Belgrade

Experience

2020: Tennis Manager & Head Coach, Emerald Resort, Maldives

🔹 Spearheaded the tennis program at a luxury resort, enhancing guest experience through tailored coaching programs and exclusive tennis events.
🔹 Designed high-impact tennis training modules that catered to a diverse clientele, from beginners to advanced players.
🔹 Built a reputation for excellence by establishing a player-centered coaching approach that increased guest satisfaction and repeat participation.
🔹 Collaborated with resort management to integrate tennis activities into the overall guest engagement strategy, maximizing program visibility.
🔹 Successfully attracted international clients by promoting resort tennis experiences, contributing to increased resort bookings and brand prestige.
🔹 Organized tournaments and social events to foster community engagement, enhancing the resort’s reputation as a top destination for tennis.
🔹 Mentored and trained a team of assistant coaches, upskilling them to deliver top-tier coaching aligned with resort standards.
🔹 Implemented a structured feedback system to consistently improve coaching techniques and client satisfaction rates.

Tennis Director & Head Coach
Yarze Country Club, Baabda, Lebanon
2015 – Present · 9 yrs 11 mos
🔹 Directed and managed the club’s tennis department, enhancing member experience through comprehensive coaching and community engagement.
🔹 Developed customized training programs for members across all skill levels, increasing membership satisfaction and retention.
🔹 Initiated partnerships with local and international tennis organizations to expand the club’s competitive and recreational offerings.
🔹 Organized and hosted prestigious tournaments and events, positioning Yarze Country Club as a hub for tennis excellence in the region.
🔹 Established junior development pathways, fostering talent and enabling young players to compete at advanced levels.
🔹 Enhanced the club’s brand visibility by collaborating with media outlets and utilizing social media to highlight programs and events.
🔹 Monitored departmental budgets and resource allocation, ensuring financial sustainability and efficiency in program operations.
🔹 Cultivated a culture of teamwork and excellence among coaching staff, leading to increased program quality and member engagement.

Head of Business Development
Middle East Tennis
Nov 2013 – Present · 11 yrs 1 mo
🔹 Founded and launched Middle East Tennis, a pioneering initiative promoting tennis development across the Middle East.
🔹 Built an extensive network of stakeholders, including players, coaches, and organizations, to drive tennis growth and popularity in the region.
🔹 Organized regional workshops and seminars, sharing expertise and best practices with aspiring coaches and sports professionals.
🔹 Published influential content on tennis training methodologies, positioning Middle East Tennis as a valuable resource for regional players.
🔹 Partnered with international tennis associations to bring world-class training resources and opportunities to Middle Eastern athletes.
🔹 Facilitated talent identification and development programs, contributing to the rise of competitive tennis in the Middle East.
🔹 Fostered community engagement through social media and public relations campaigns, increasing tennis visibility and accessibility.
🔹 Actively collaborated with government bodies to secure funding and support for tennis-related events and initiatives.

PTR Professional
PTR
2004 – Present · 20 yrs 11 mos
🔹 Conducted high-impact certification workshops and clinics, training aspiring coaches to achieve professional standards in tennis coaching.
🔹 Developed and delivered comprehensive training programs aligned with PTR standards, enhancing coaching quality and techniques internationally.
🔹 Served as a mentor for new coaches, offering guidance on player development, instructional strategies, and career progression in tennis.
🔹 Organized workshops focused on junior and player development, advancing foundational skills for emerging talent across various age groups.
🔹 Expanded PTR’s influence by facilitating workshops and certifications in multiple countries, promoting consistency in coaching excellence.
🔹 Collaborated with regional tennis associations to bring PTR certification clinics closer to local coaches, increasing accessibility and participation.
🔹 Facilitated knowledge exchange among global coaches, introducing advanced methodologies and techniques to enrich local tennis communities.
🔹 Ensured adherence to PTR ethics and performance standards, fostering a professional and responsible coaching environment.

Head of Tennis Department
Sports Academy, Belgrade
1995 – 2007 · 12 yrs
🔹 Directed the academy’s tennis department, developing and implementing innovative training curricula for aspiring players.
🔹 Mentored and coached students at various skill levels, contributing to the academy’s reputation for excellence in sports education.
🔹 Established partnerships with prominent tennis clubs and organizations, providing players with enhanced training and competition opportunities.
🔹 Coordinated with sports psychologists and physical trainers to create a holistic approach to player development.
🔹 Organized annual sports camps and workshops, attracting attendees from across the region and enhancing the academy’s visibility.
🔹 Developed coaching certification programs, ensuring that coaches were equipped with the latest training methodologies.
🔹 Managed departmental budgets and resources, maintaining financial health and optimizing the use of training facilities.
🔹 Enhanced community engagement through outreach programs, expanding access to tennis education and training.

Professor
College of Coaching, Belgrade
Sep 1994 – May 2005 · 10 yrs 9 mos
🔹 Taught advanced courses in sports management and tennis coaching at a top-tier institution known for global partnerships and sports excellence.
🔹 Developed a curriculum encompassing coaching methodologies, sports psychology, and management principles, preparing students for leadership roles in sports.
🔹 Mentored aspiring coaches and sports managers, providing both academic and practical insights that fostered career readiness and success.
🔹 Organized guest lectures and workshops featuring industry leaders, enriching students’ perspectives and professional networks.
🔹 Authored educational materials and research papers on coaching, contributing to the field’s academic body and the college’s reputation.
🔹 Supervised student research projects, supporting innovative approaches in tennis coaching and sports management.
🔹 Collaborated with international universities, enhancing curriculum relevance and providing students with global insights.
🔹 Facilitated internships and career placement opportunities, linking students with renowned sports institutions worldwide.

Team Championship & Regional Games Committee
Tennis Europe, Basel Area, Switzerland
Apr 1999 – Dec 2002 · 3 yrs 9 mos
🔹 Played a pivotal role in organizing Europe-wide championships and regional games, setting and maintaining high standards for operations and logistics.
🔹 Developed tournament frameworks and protocols, ensuring efficient planning, fair play, and excellent participant experiences.
🔹 Coordinated with European national associations to support the smooth execution of tournaments, fostering cross-national cooperation.
🔹 Established competition regulations and player guidelines, contributing to a consistent, high-quality event experience across all games.
🔹 Acted as a liaison between various tennis associations, promoting collaboration and shared best practices across Europe.
🔹 Organized developmental initiatives for young players, offering competitive exposure and helping nurture future tennis talent.
🔹 Worked with sponsors and partners to secure funding and resources, enhancing the reach and impact of events.
🔹 Advocated for inclusive, region-wide participation, expanding opportunities for players and growing the sport’s presence across Europe.

General Secretary
Yugoslav Tennis Federation, Belgrade, Serbia
Aug 1998 – Jan 2002 · 3 yrs 6 mos
🔹 Provided strategic leadership for the Yugoslav Tennis Federation, overseeing all national tennis programs and initiatives.
🔹 Successfully managed national team events, including logistics, player selection, and competitive strategy, enhancing national pride and representation.
🔹 Built relationships with international tennis organizations to exchange best practices and elevate the Federation’s international profile.
🔹 Developed strategic plans to promote tennis throughout Yugoslavia, increasing participation and fostering local talent development.
🔹 Coordinated and led meetings with government officials to secure support and funding for national tennis programs.
🔹 Oversaw budgeting and financial planning, ensuring effective allocation of resources for high-impact programs.
🔹 Organized national tournaments and leagues, providing platforms for player development and community engagement.
🔹 Established an athlete support system, including training facilities and coaching resources, boosting player performance and morale.

National Team Captain, Junior Department
1997 – 2000 · 3 yrs
🔹 Captained and mentored the junior national team, leading them to multiple championship victories and personal bests.
🔹 Conducted in-depth assessments of player performance and provided customized training to optimize each athlete’s potential.
🔹 Collaborated with sports scientists to integrate advanced training techniques, focusing on player endurance, agility, and mental toughness.
🔹 Coordinated with parents, coaches, and schools to ensure a balanced approach to sports and academics for junior players.
🔹 Led the team through national and international competitions, providing strategic guidance and fostering sportsmanship.
🔹 Designed a feedback and improvement system, helping young athletes understand and work on their strengths and areas for growth.
🔹 Fostered team unity and a winning mindset, empowering players to perform at their peak under high-stakes conditions.
🔹 Built relationships with international junior tennis networks, enhancing player opportunities for global exposure and experience.

Testimonial

A comprehensive glance at what tennis can provide to people of all ages. How to start, increase playing time, structure your schedule and focus on the really important things related to finding the best way to perform. Highly recommendable piece by my friend Dejan

Martin Rocca, High Performance Tennis Coach